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The region is continuing to crack down on the “In My Feelings” challenge, with authorities in Saudi Arabia’s Al Khobar arresting a woman for joining in on the viral dance challenge over the weekend. The unnamed woman, who faces up to three months in jail, was arrested on three counts of charges, including violating traffic rules, wearing revealing clothes in public, and for going against Sharia law. The arrest comes just days after the dance challenge was banned in Egypt, and the prosecution of three social media influencers from Abu Dhabi who took part in the social media craze.
Also dubbed the “Keke” challenge, it is the latest dance challenge to go viral on social media, and it requires much more effort than just standing still while Black Beatles by Rae Sremmurd plays in the background (Cue the Mannequin challenge). The popular dance craze, which has been sweeping the Internet, is a two-step rendition to Drake’s ultra-catchy In My Feelings from the Toronto rapper’s new double album that dropped in June, Scorpion. The viral dance originated when American comedian Shiggy posted a video of himself dancing to the track on his Instagram page, spreading like wildfire and catching the attention of thousands of people across the globe, including celebrities such as Will Smith, Ciara, Lara Scandar, Jessica Kahawaty, and Reem AlSanea, who have all partaken in the challenge. There have been several interpretations of the viral dance craze since its inception, but perhaps the most common one sees people jumping out of moving cars to bust moves, while the car is still moving.
Naturally, the idea of endangering your life or another’s wellbeing for the sake of social media does not sit well with everyone. Just 24 hours after the dance challenge was banned in Egypt, Abu Dhabi‘s Public Prosecution on Monday ordered the arrest of three social media influencers for taking part in the challenge. The warrant for their arrests was issued for “endangering the lives of others and offending public morals by using social media to promote practices that are incompatible with the UAE’s values and traditions,” a statement from the prosecution said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Traffic and Patrols Department at Umm Al Quwain Police said that those who undertake the challenge will be severely punished by way of a SAR/AED 2,000 fine and a whopping 23 black points. Additionally, their vehicle will be impounded for 60 days. If you’re asking yourself if the authorities have the right to do that, well, yes, they do. Based on federal law No.12 of 1995, the police have the power to arrest any individual who drives their vehicle in a reckless manner that can endanger the lives of the public— including ghost-riding a car that’s going at least 15 miles per hour. According to the Federal Penal Code No.3 of 1987, driving dangerously can lead to a hefty fine, imprisonment, or in the worst case, both.
So in conclusion, please stop jumping out of moving vehicles for Drake.
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